I had never been to San Francisco before, so when I got there all I wanted was a place to have dinner and sit and relax for a while. Thank goodness I found my way to Lefty O'Douls! Located just off of Union Square, Lefty's was a welcome find. The food (which was served cafeteria style) was delicious and not that expensive, even by San Francisco's standards. The atmosphere was relaxed and low key. They have televisions tuned to sporting events and live piano late into the evening. And the homemade cherry pie is to die for! (I know, I went back to Lefty's just for the pie!)

I wish simple words spoken more eloquent than I could ever muster can describe a true paradise on earth. That place is San Francisco. You can't describe it, you have to feel it.Practically perfect in every way. Food. Entertainment. Views. Love. Everything. When Tony Bennett sings "I left My Heart in San Francisco" you will never understand it until you've lived there and moved away. I live in LA now and think about the city I left every day. I call my friends there and jealously think that they still live there and I don't. SF is like a virus. When you are away, you are sick until the day you return. Of course even perfection has it's faults. The place is ridiculously expensive (worth it, but still expensive) and the people can get a bit snooty. (I'm sure the Gods on Mount Olympus weren't the nicest people)but when you live here I guess you have every right to be. I just miss this place horribly and one day will go back.

My most favorite place was down on the pier. It had a life and vibrance I had never experienced before.
My tip is to search the hotels for exotic restaurants. Hotels can have wonderful restaurants that aren't too expensive but offer alot as far as atmosphere or theme (ex: Tonga Bar).
Definately ride the cable cars! And visit the cable car museum. The cable car turn-arounds are very interesting, too.
We stayed in South San Francisco, and I think I would suggest that. Staying in SF unless you have lots of money just isn't very feasable plus it's alot more difficult to get around unless you walk.

It is a great place to visit. You have all the city has to offer and much, much more in the surrounding areas. There is Napa, Half Moon Bay, Santa Crus, Portola, Point Reyes, Bodega Bay, Jenner, Marin County . . . If the weather is cold in SF just go into the valley and it will probably be 15 to 20 degrees warmer.

We love the fact that we don't need a vehicle when in S.F. The public transit system in fantastic. There are countless restaurants and bars to choose from. We like visiting in the winter when it is cold and rainy, the city seems to thrive in this setting. The Modern is wonderful. The new De Young is a architectural beauty, but the collection leaves something to be desired. The night club scene is vibrant and broad. Gloden Gate Park on a Sunday is always a joy (when the weather is fair). Try L' Osteria in North Beach for a great Italian lunch or dinner. Burmese Superstar is the best pac. rim joint in the whole city (Clement). I can go on and on...have fun!

From the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge to Fisherman's Wharf, to Lombard Street...I loved San Francisco. October 2005 was my third visit to San Francisco and I liked it more every time I went. Love Fisherman's Wharf especially Pier 39. The shops are wonderful on Pier 39, my daughter enjoys the carousel, and we ALL love the sea lions of Pier 39!
We walked the Golden Gate Bridge on a crystal clear October afternoon. Loved the views of the city, the sparkling waters of the Bay, and the great exercise. What a magnificent bridge the Golden Gate is! Love the contrasting colors of the orange bridge against the blue sky.
We enjoyed the trip down Lombard Street so we did it twice! It is not only fun going around the curves, but the brick, flower-lined street is picturesque as well.
Of course we took aseveral cable car rides, the true San Francisco Treat.
Love the city and will return!!